#TBT 2016 TASTE OF PRINCE GEORGE'S FEST CELEBRATES THE BEST IN LOCAL FOOD AND WINE

The Taste of Prince George's Food and Wine Festival, returned to Six Flags America for a fourth year, like it never left. A one-day family fun affair which includes tastings, competitions, performances and lots of activities, The Taste of Prince George's Food and Wine Festival presented by marketing agency, FLYCANDY, shines a light on local talent while reinforcing that Prince George's County, Maryland is a worthwhile culinary destination for great food. 

SPILLING THE TEA ON THE WICKED BLOOM'S TASTY NEW MENU #TeaTimeTues

The same as we freshen up our humble abode so too do bars, seasonally. And even better when said bar whose former sister spot you frequented, extends you an exclusive invitation to sample fresh new menu items (cocktails included). That was a mouthful and my mouth pretty much stayed full at last week's The Wicked Bloom Social Club #TasteTheWicked.

I Deleted Cornbread From Sunday's Dinner Menu

My kids are hearty eaters and knowing that I typically reserve Sundays as my day to go all out, they start inquiring about Sunday dinner a couple a days before. I on the other hand was rather finicky as a child but my kids seemingly don’t know nuttin bout that life. It’s a wonder they don’t bang their silverware on the table screaming, “where’s my dinner woman?”

"FOODIE FRIDAY": NOT JUST APPLESAUCE BUT AWESOME-SAUCE!

Winning whatever it may be, is always awesome. Imagine my surprise upon finding out last month via an Instagram shout-out, that I was a GoGo squeeZ #12DaysOfGoGo winner. What is GoGo squeeZ? It's awesome-sauce! So awesome that I was even more hyped to resume my "Foodie Friday" theme for the new year.

Launched in 2008, GoGo squeeZ makes healthy snacks more accessible. You can take your pick from applesauce to fast fruit. All of which are offered in the cutest resealable packages which contain 100% fruit in a variety of flavors (pictured at right). My "winnings" consisted of 12 packs of GoGo squeeZ each containing four pouches each in apple banana which is supper yummy! Not too sweet. Great texture and an ample serving per pouch. What I love most, you can grab a pouch and go and be healthy. I am horrible when it comes to eating breakfast particularly. Trying to get my lil' ones dressed and off to school is no small feat. And while I always ensure they eat, I don't pay just due attention to myself. Being able to grab a pouch of GoGo squeeZ is a quick and tasty remedy. If I know I'm gonna be out and about, I drop a couple pouches in my bag and keep it moving. And if my kids have a long day, I toss a pouch in their book bag. The packaging ensures no mess, no spillage, no accidents and you don't need a spoon which as a Mommy of three, is fantastic!! My kids (son pictured left), don't require my help to open the pouches. I don't have to cover them in a million napkins. And it's a good and guilt-free snack for me and for them.

All I need do or they need do is twist off the newly designed helicopter cap, squeeze and go. Thus, GoGo squeeZ. Follow my GoGo chronicles on IG @ bagladies.

P.S. - I've spied GoGo squeeZ in all my area grocery stores but visit gogosqueez.com to search specific locations.
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Follow me and my Foodie Friday theme via hashtag #ImAFoodie on Twitter and Instagram and on Pinterest.

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All new fall lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies.

Foodie Friday: The Best Recipe I Found on Pinterest This Week

Pinterest is where I go when I want to be inspired, when I want ideas and if I need a creative escape. Or simply, if I'm just bored. Oh and hungry too! Besides fashion and beauty, dishes and recipes are my faves to pin and repin. We are right on the heels of Thanksgiving and if nothing else, I always contribute the eggnog ...Spiked for sure. I came across this recipe for Peppermint Eggnog Punch and of all the recipes pinned this week, this one pinned to my Tis' The Season board is my fave and I can't wait to give it a go. The pic by itself is swoon-worthy and the directions are simple enough. Check back with me after Thanksgiving to see if I pulled it off.

ingredients

• 1 quart  peppermint ice cream
• 1 quart  dairy eggnog or canned eggnog
• 1 cup  rum (optional)
• 1 - 210  ounce bottles  (1-1/4 to 2-1/2 cups)ginger ale, chilled
•  Additional peppermint ice cream (optional)
•  Peppermint sticks (optional)

I'm most intrigued by what flavors the peppermint ice cream and ginger ale will lend. Be sure to follow me on Pinterest at pinterest.com/bagladiesradio.

Do you pin? Do you have any fave recipes? Oh and what do you contribute to Thanksgiving dinner?

-- Erin

Follow Foodie Friday via hashtag #ImAFoodie and on Pinterest.

All new fall lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies.

Foodie Friday: Featuring A "Me-Approved" Foodie Quote

Julia Child

This week's Foodie Friday is in the form of an inspirational quote from the late Julia Child. What do you think of the "me-approved" quote? Have you ever seen the movie, Julie and Julia released by Sony Pictures in 2009 and starring Meryl Streep? It's very good. It's all about how Julia Child (remember her), made a name for herself as a chef/cook and a Blogger who spent like a year attempting all her recipes. The movie includes a hilarious Saturday Night Live sketch with Dan Akroyd mocking Julia Child's voice and tendencies. If you are my age (I ain't telling how old I am), you surely remember Julia Child shows from like PBS or some other network back in the day. She had a VERY distinct voice. I remember my Grandmother and babysitter used to watch her cooking show regularly.

Anyway, are you a foodie? And does this quote apply to you? It does me and on that note, Happy Foodie Friday!


Follow Foodie Friday via hashtag #ImAFoodie and on Pinterest.

-- Erin






All new fall lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies.

Foodie Friday: Featuring "The Diva Chef", Madison Shannon Kelly #ImAFoodie

Today marks the launch of Foodie Friday, a recurring feature chronicling my #ImAFoodie tales. I like to eat good. I love to dine out. I adore discovering new cuisine and/or hidden gems. And I'm often extended invitations for new restaurant openings, product launches, festivals and "foodie" events. So why not dish write about it. I hope to turn you onto something new in the process or at least make you drool.

This week's Foodie Friday features "The Diva Chef" herself, Madison Shannon Kelly. An Atlanta, GA based up and coming chef, Madison is a self-made pastry chef and owner of Diva Delights.

I've known Madison for a couple of years but only recently upon a trip to Atlanta did I have the absolute pleasure of sampling one of her signature treats, Banana Pudding Cheesecake. Not just a pudding but more than a cheesecake, each Banana Pudding Cheesecake is handmade and made from scratch. Per Madison, "it became a top-seller overnight." I now know why. It's the perfect combo. It's light like pudding but less the "richness" of a cheesecake which can sometimes overwhelm the palette resulting in one taking two bites and being done. Whereas Madison's Banana Pudding Cheesecake can easily be polished in one sitting.

I devoured that which Madison hand-delivered to my hotel with a note as an added personal touch, for breakfast while preparing to depart Atlanta. Each "delight" is clearly both made and packaged with love. The graham cracker crust was a pleasant surprise and so moist and sweet. I literally made sure every bite had a bit of crust. As I continued to indulge, I felt like I was treating myself. Of course I deserved it! As I was eating devouring I mean, I noticed a hint of something that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Per Madison, "Cinnamon is my secret weapon!" And safe to say it totally breaks the mold of traditional banana pudding. Madison also offers strawberry and oreo cheesecake, red velvet cupcakes with the most adorable packaging I've ever seen, cheese balls and individual salad varieties but it's easy to see how upon ordering the Banana Pudding Cheesecake, customers instantly become regulars. I've been craving more ever since. You can catch a glimpse of Madison's swoon-worthy offerings via her Instagram account @mskenterprises.

Madison is working on her website and expanding her brands. In addition to other endeavors which include a reality show, Stiletto Bosses and new food business, Madison is currently working to open a bakery in Lithonia, GA and authoring her first cookbook, "I can cook, DAMMIT, MARRY ME!", which goes on pre-order November 1st 2013. To inquire about ordering and shipping outside of GA which I'm excited to say Madison now offers (be prepared to get in line behind me), contact Madison at Diva Delights via email at mydivadelight@yahoo.com.

Follow Foodie Friday via hashtag #ImAFoodie and on Pinterest.

-- Erin

All new fall lineup soon to come to the online airwaves of Bag Ladies Radio. In the meantime, OnDemand/iTunes are 24/7. Check out my fave show picks and access recent shows and the full archive at bagladiesradio.com/listen.  Follow on Twitter and Instagram @bagladies.

Weekend Update with Lady Erin ...

Miss J dishing in the Press/Media Lounge

#PassionForFashion

Note: #NailSwagBL

Miss J pointed at me and literally put me on the spot.

Winning approval from Miss J (Alexander) himself or herself rather, was certainly one of the biggest highlights of my weekend. Of course I didn't get a pic of myself but I was adorned in a leopard print, spandex Sheba dress from Tobi which of course I accessorized and jazzed up with jewelry and B.A.I.T. Hilda Red Alligator Pointed Shootie Booties from Lulu*s. Miss J is an Author but is widely known for work on America's Next Top Model. Miss J's flamboyant style and outlandish personality, garners attention always. Miss J put me on the spot by saying, "You are working that dress. You're good." Translation, approval! I had the pleasure of attending the 4th annual, "Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Expo" (#FBL2012), on Saturday. Produced by WDCW-TV/DC50, the "Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Expo" is a meet and greet, shopping extravaganza and fashion show all in one. The Washington Convention Center was overflowing with "fashionistas" looking to schmooze with style icons (like Paul Wharton), shop, mix and mingle. Free makeovers, style sessions and over 60 vendors, made #FBL2012 an experience to behold. New this year, the CW Lounge which screened upcoming shows including the much anticipated "Carrie Diaries", said to profile the early days of Carrie Bradshaw, premiering next year. The models literally ripped the runway during a continuous fashion show produced by Event Producer, Maggy Francois and featuring Hush, Catwalk, Current boutiques and more. The most applauded efforts were for the little ones, modeling fashions on behalf of My Bougie Baby. Too cute!!

#ImAFoodie

I took notes on my FAVE oyster varieties.

You eva have one of the days where you say to yourself, "I'm ready to blow this joint." Well such was my day on Sunday. Following church, I had an itch to just get out. I'm not a football fanatic. I had a weekend to myself (meaning the kids were away #MommyMidday). And the weather was gorgeous! I had an oyster craving started by @JKnowsGoodFood, that I hadn't yet satisfied so ...A spot in DC I've long since loved for oysters, recently opened a new location, Hank's Oyster Bar aka Hank's On the Hill. And to put it in perspective, I text'ed a friend while dining who said her and hubby were considering for a date nite because she loved the other location. My reply, "If you love Hank's already, visiting the new location will make you love Hank's that much more." I absolutely believe that dining/eating out should be an experience. From the service to the food to the ambiance ...Everything should contribute to the overall experience. Hank's does not disappoint. From the bartender's amazing expertise as it relates to drinks and mixing and pairing to their very informed knowledge of the menu to just the personable, friendly and welcoming attitude of the staff.  BONUS: One of the bartender's allowed me to sip a drink not even on the menu. DELICIOUS! I hope it's added soon. The decor sets a warm and comfortable tone and the one bartender in particular with a voice made for the airwaves and a look like he stepped out of a Gladiator or Spartacus movie, didn't hurt either. VERY easy on the eyes ;-). I mean if posted up at the bar which I was, why not have a great view? Oh, did I satisfy my craving you ask? Yes, a dozen oysters on the half shell (one variety, the Golden Mantle ...So good, I didn't require cocktail sauce), lobster bisque and two must-have drinks ..."Virginia is for Lovers" which features an ice chunk (not a cube), the bartenders literally shave while you wait. And if a gin and tonic gal (I am), you must try the "Biggie Smalls." It features two gins #WhatsSippin. It was so good, I couldn't keep it to myself and extended an invitation to a friend to meet me at the bar ...#TalesOfSingledom ;-).

#BeautyTalk

Before 7 Day Whitening Treatment

So the weekend marked completion of my Crest 3D Whitestrips with Advanced Seal No Slip Technology Review. As of Sunday, I was done with the daily task of applying the strips and peeling them off after the recommended two hours although I typically kept the strips on for three hours. I applied in the morning when most busy, less inclined to eat and more stationary. A few points:

• The strips are very easy to apply
• The strips are barely visible once applied
• Noticeable when talking but the strips don't impair your ability to talk
• Upon peeling off, no residual gel left behind



After Removal of Strips

• The strips adhered to my teeth surprisingly well

After 7 Day Whitening Treatment

In conclusion, I would say the results are more a noticeable "brightness" as opposed to my teeth being whiter per se. I noticed a distinct "brightness" already on Day 3. The strips produce a result comparable to a highlighter you might apply to your face. My entire tooth isn't "whiter" but there is a "brightness" and less a sharp contrast so it's not like part of your tooth looks bright and the rest looks dull. When I smile, I see a difference and in the end it's about you. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to laugh and smile so while in the midst of the review, I felt like I was making a conscious effort to improve myself in some form. I did have some slight sensitivity which is to be expected so when I drank something particularly cold, I cringed a bit but it subsided in like 24 hours. I particularly love the feeling after peeling the strips off. My teeth had that post-dental visit feel when you wanna just run your tongue along your teeth because they feel so clean. I have a visibly "brighter" smile.

Lest I forget, I got my nails did too so #NailSwagBL in effect! Always nice (and necessary), to just sit and be completely pampered. Thanks to my Nail Artist, @MikalB23!!! How do you like this most recent design? Upon seeing a similar design on our #BeautyTalk Pinterest board, it made me think of a superhero and the pink signifies this month's focus on Breast Cancer Awareness. @MikalB23 worked her skills.

Tune into this week's #TalesOfSingledom featuring @lovein30days airing Wednesday, 7:30p EST on bagladiesradio.com.